1

Why the project matters

The total number of urban dwellers in the MENA region is projected to reach 527 million in 2050 (UNDESA, 2019), further depriving rural areas of human capital and exacerbating issues linked to urbanization. The lack of resources and infrastructures to feed and home the growing population are affecting food security at urban and local level, and most importantly small and medium-sized cities that have to struggle with complex urban challenges linked to poverty, health and social protection, hygiene and sanitation, land use planning, transportation and trade, energy, education, waste management, etc. Conversely, cities and local communities, thanks to their closeness to the diverse needs of dwellers, can play a pivotal role in contributing to the achievement of their communities’ wellbeing, above all to ensure food security.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To improve the capacity of local public authorities to develop food policies through participatory governance models.
• To test and validate governance models through pilot projects and local living labs.
• To establish a Mediterranean Food Policy Coalition that scales up and shares solutions region-wide.

3

Expected change

• Enhanced institutional collaboration and decision-making at the local level on food policies.
• Improved food access, affordability, and sustainability in pilot cities.
• Stronger transnational cooperation and increased policy influence for local actors in food security.

4

What the project delivers

• 4 participatory governance models piloted and validated through living labs.
• Joint procedures and a technical report detailing tested food policy approaches.
• 1 Mediterranean Food Policy Coalition launched, uniting 15 organizations across borders.
• Capacity building and exchange programme involving at least 4 new cities and 50 stakeholders.
• Online platform with methodologies, policy tools, and training materials.

5

Who benefits

• Local public authorities in 4 cities directly supported with governance tools and skills.
• 50 stakeholders (academia, civil society, businesses) engaged in local living labs.
• Citizens benefiting from better food-related services, such as markets and school meals.
• Broader Mediterranean cities and networks through shared coalition actions and advocacy.